Allen Toussaint, reluctant solo star

Allen Toussaint’s vast impact on music the last 50 years is sometimes underappreciated because much of his best work has come behind the scenes. And that’s just fine with the softspoken, 75-year-old New Orleans songwriter and producer, whose greatest

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By
Greg Kot
Posted Nov. 11, 2013 @ 12:01 am

CHICAGO -- Allen Toussaint’s vast impact on music the last 50

years is sometimes underappreciated because much of his best work has come

behind the scenes. And that’s just fine with the softspoken, 75-year-old New

Orleans songwriter and producer, whose greatest songs -- from “Working in the

Coalmine” to “Southern Nights” -- were often popularized by other artists.

Now he’s touring as a solo act, though his current tour won't bring him closer to Rhode Island than Sellersville, Pa. He’s comfortable with the idea

now, but it was a leap for Toussaint when he began playing solo at Joe’s Pub in

New York City after his home and studio in New Orleans were devastated by